FREEHOLD, NJ – The Monmouth County Police Academy graduated 33 police officers yesterday, in a spirited graduation ceremony that focused on the importance of public service and law enforcement in times of emergency and community need.

In the graduation address, Freeholder Director John P. Curley said police officers are a special kind of public servant and praised them for their courage, dedication and integrity. Curley also referenced the impact of Super storm Sandy on the 83rd basic course of police officers to graduate from the county Police Academy.

“Just like the men and women of our various law enforcement divisions who stepped up over the past six weeks in the wake of super storm Sandy, I have no doubt that you will step up, too. Working around the clock, police officers provided assistance to residents in unprecedented ways. Police officers provided a first level of support to residents in need. You are now part of this important public service corps.”

Freeholder Lillian G. Burry reminded the new officers that even though they are in law enforcement, enforcing the law is only part of the job. She said they should expect to spend much of their time responding to medical calls and administering emergency medical services and attending to accident victims.

“The rest of the job is being good role models, friends and neighbors in the communities where you serve,” Burry said.

Jonathon R. Gramlich, the class spokesman, referenced Super storm Sandy in his remarks and spoke of how the class members were looking forward to getting to work and assisting with the recovery process in their respective communities.

Freeholder Director John P. Curley thanked the new police officers for their service and told them they will always have the support of the Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders.

The graduating class completed more than 800 hours of training this year to become the 83rd Basic Course for Police Officers.

Monmouth County Sheriff Shaun E. Golden praised the new officers for pursuing a career in public service. “Through dedication and hard work you all have successfully completed training and attained certification as law enforcement officers. I commend you for a job well done and wish you much success as you embark on a career in law enforcement.”

Police Academy Director David I. Morris said the new officers are trained and ready to begin protecting citizens in the communities they will serve. As police officers, he said, they will be held to a higher standard of conduct and are expected to demonstrate an abiding sense of fairness. “The people you serve expect these things from you,” Morris said.

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Graduates of Monmouth County’s 83rd Basic Course for Police Officers and the towns/agency where they will work: